Oh, heck no. Bella was spying on me! This was a new level of crazy even for her!
"Hey, you!" I called out and strode toward her.
She saw me and started to walk away. But I caught up to her quickly. I grabbed her wrist before she could get away.
"Wha...what?" she asked nervously.
"Why were you staring at me from the bushes?" I asked gruffly.
"I wasn't," she denied. Liar.
"Yes you were. I saw you. And stop following me around. It's annoying," I said.
I released her wrist, frustration simmering under my skin. Bella had always been unpredictable, but this was crossing a line. I couldn't understand why she felt the need to spy on me like this. It was as if she was obsessed, and it was starting to wear on my patience.
"Okay, I am sorry. Now let go of me so I can leave," she said.
I let go of her hand immediately. The last thing I need is people thinking I'm the one harassing her.
"I didn't follow you here. I like to study outside, that's all," she insisted.
Right...
"Whatever, I'm leaving," I said.
"I'll walk with you!" she chirped and started walking alongside me. So much for not following me around.
"Seriously, Bella? I thought you said you won't follow me," I said irritably.
"I am not! I am going the same way. My next class is that way," she said and pointed at nowhere.
I couldn't help but roll my eyes. Bella always had a knack for finding reasons to be close, whether it was spying from bushes or conveniently having classes in the same direction as mine.
"Right, Bella," I replied, my tone dripping with sarcasm. "What a coincidence that your class happens to be in the same direction as mine."
She grinned mischievously, not the least bit embarrassed. "Well, what can I say? Fate works in mysterious ways."
I shook my head in disbelief, unable to contain a chuckle.
~-~
The next few days were the same. I couldn't seem to shake her off. She brought me lunch every day and then followed me around campus. She even brought me coffee right before class because I had an exam. Other times, I could feel her eyes watching me. It was more than just a crush. It was an obsession.
It was partially my fault for enabling her. I did accept her food and let her walk with me. What can I say? I got hungry, and her cooking was amazing.
I just kept on going, pretending like she didn't exist, hoping she would get the hint.
After a week or so, Jane invited Macie and me to her birthday party. It was going to be a nice break from all the stressful exams.
"Happy Birthday," I said to Jane and hugged her. "Where's Jake?" I asked.
"He is in the kitchen making drinks. One of his science experiments," Jane said.
Oh, great...things usually turn messy when Jake makes one of his special drinks. I went to the kitchen to say hi to Jake.
"Aaron! You are here!"
Oh fuck.
Bella stood there by the kitchen counter, holding a solo cup. Her eyes already looked cloudy, indicating she had been drinking. Memories of our first meeting flashed before my eyes, and I prayed it wouldn't happen again. At least this time, I had Macie with me.
"Jake, tell me you did not give Bella your special drink," I said and looked at Jake threateningly. "And what the hell is she doing here anyway?"
"Don't be a meanie, green-eyed boy," Bella pouted.
"Oh, great. Look at what you did!" I glared at Jake.
He looked at me with confusion. "What's the problem? We are all drinking," he shrugged.
"The problem is it doesn't take much for her to act like a crazy drunk. I am going to go find Macie. She is the only one who can protect me now," I started to walk away.
"Wait for meeee!" Bella screamed and ran after me. I heard Jake snicker in the background. Bastard.
There was no way I was dealing with her tonight. Tonight, I am supposed to lay back and enjoy myself. Not pry off a crazy stalker.
"There you are, Aaron. I wanted to introduce you to my friend Ariana," Macie smiled and motioned at a girl with black curly hair. "This is my boyfriend Aaron, and this is...Bella. Wait, why is Bella here?" Macie raised her eyebrows.
"Jane invited her," I said. I was annoyed.
"Jane and I are best friends. And pretty soon, Aaron will be mine, so you better watch out, Macie," Bella glared at her.
"I don't think so," I protested.
"Is she drunk?" Macie whispered in my ears.
"I am not drunk!" Bella answered for me. "I am declaring rivalry!" she announced. This party turned out to be a disaster already.
"Bella, sweetie, you should go lay down," Macie suggested.
"NO! Aaron is MINE!" Bella screamed and threw herself at me, then pressed her lips on mine.
I was stunned and didn't push her off immediately as she kissed me. This girl...she had done it again. But this time, I won't be taking care of her drunk-ass.
I pried her off of me. "What the fuck do you think you are doing, Bella?" I barked.
Jane stepped in all of a sudden. "I got her,"she told me. "Let's go Bella. You can lie down in my room," she whispered softly to her.
I turned my attention back to Macie. "I'm sorry about this. I didn't anticipate her attack," I apologized for Bella's behavior.
"Don't worry about it. She was drunk," Macie said dismissively. I thanked her in my mind for being so cool about it.
I didn't see Bella for the rest of the evening. She must be in Jane's room, sleeping it off.
After the party, Macie kissed me goodbye. "Are you sure you are okay to drive? I can drop you off," I offered.
Macie shook her head. "I didn't drink that much, so I'm fine. Besides, I have Ariana with me, so I'll drop her off first," she said.
I proceeded to leave myself, but Jane stopped me.
"Hey, I need you to do me a favor," she said.
"What's that?" I asked.
"Um...Bella is awake and she wants to go home, so could you take her home, please?" Jane asked.
I looked at her with shock! "How could you ask me that after seeing what she did? She attacked me! I need to stay far away from her," I said.
"I know, but Jake is too drunk to drive and I have to wake up early to go to work tomorrow. So please? She is very embarrassed and promised not to act crazy again," Jane pleaded.
Fuck...why couldn't I say no and walk away? Was it too late to go back to my old self and be a jerk? I sighed...I couldn't say no.
"Fine," I said.
"Oh great! I'll go tell her," Jane said excitedly and went to tell Bella.
Bella avoided my eyes on our ride home. Maybe she did feel bad.
"I'm sorry," she said after a while.
"It's fine. Just don't do it again," I said.
"I just can't seem to control myself when I'm near you," she said quietly.
"What is it that you like about me so much?" I asked. I was feeling irritated but curious.
"It's a secret," she whispered.
"Is it my looks? I can assure you there are plenty of good-looking guys on campus. I can introduce you to some of my friends," I offered. Anything to get her off my back.
"It's not just your looks. However, I do love your clear green eyes a lot. And you have the best smile," she said and blushed.
I do admit that stroked my ego. I wanted to tell her she was pretty too but caught myself. It'll only encourage her to come after me more. I cleared my throat.
"Well, regardless of the reason, you need to knock it off. This is getting out of hand. You'll make Macie misunderstand and drive her away. I can't have that," I declared. She didn't say anything else.
"Can I have a hug goodbye?" she asked after I walked her to the front door.
"No way," I said.
"Please? It's just a hug. I'm not asking you to kiss me or anything," she pleaded and stared at me with eyes full of despair.
"Fuck...fine. Just a hug goodbye. You better not try anything else." Bella nodded in agreement and, wrapped her arms around my waist and buried her face on my chest.
I put my arms around her. Her body was hot, like she had a fever. Her warmth spread all over my body, her hair smelled like Jasmine. Maybe if she wasn't so crazy, I would've given her a chance in the past.
I sighed. What am I gonna do with this girl?